On December 5th, Delhi will host Russian President Vladimir Putin for the highly anticipated 23rd India-Russia Annual Summit. This visit underscores the enduring strength of the India-Russia strategic partnership, particularly in the face of external pressures. India has consistently prioritized its independent foreign policy, maintaining robust relations with Russia despite attempts by the United States to foster division. The summit is poised to usher in a new era of cooperation, with significant deals expected to be finalized across defence, trade, and infrastructure. The two nations are committed to enhancing their economic engagement, aiming for bilateral trade to reach USD 100 billion by 2030, a considerable leap from the current USD 68.7 billion. Defence ties are a central theme, with discussions anticipated on acquiring advanced aerial platforms and sophisticated air defence systems, potentially including domestic manufacturing. New economic ventures are also on the agenda, such as cooperation in the Arctic region and the development of the crucial Vladivostok-Chennai maritime route, which promises to revolutionize connectivity and trade flows. Furthermore, the upcoming visit is set to facilitate substantial job creation, with Russia preparing to welcome approximately 70,000 Indian workers through a new mobility agreement. This summit reaffirms the deep-rooted collaboration between India and Russia and their shared vision for future engagement.
